Measles Outbreak Spreads in New York City

Health officials are warning New Yorkers to take caution as a new outbreak of measles has infected residents of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. So far, there are 19 confirmed cases of the illness, including a 63-year-old senior citizen and children as young as 3-months-old. The NYC Health Department is urging New Yorkers to make sure all household members, especially young children, are vaccinated. Thus far, there have been four hospitalizations resulting from the virus.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that typically starts as a rash on the face accompanied by a high fever. The virus can also cause coughing, red eyes, and a runny nose. Despite being officially “eliminated” in the United States since 2000, the disease seems to have made its way back to America thanks to the popular anti-vaccination trend.

The outbreak has already spread to several zip codes including 10034, 10040, 10033, 10032, 10451, and 10453; areas which include northern Manhattan, and the Melrose and Morris Heights sections of the Bronx.

As the CDC states, two proper doses of MMR vaccine can prevent measles with a nearly 100-percent success rate. Parents are advised to vaccinate their children immediately (especially babies under 12 months of age) to protect against the sickness. Visit your doctor or call 311 to find out where to get vaccinated.